Health and Environment Impacts of Endocrine Disruptors

Many synthetic chemicals, untested for their disrupting effects on
the hormone system, could have significant health implications
according to the State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, a new report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WHO.

“We urgently need more research to obtain a fuller picture of the health and environment impacts of endocrine disruptors”

Dr Maria Neira, WHO’s Director for Public Health and Environmen

The joint study calls for more research to understand fully
the associations between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—found in
many household and industrial products—and specific diseases and
disorders. The report notes that with more comprehensive assessments and
better testing methods, potential disease risks could be reduced, with
substantial savings to public health. Via WHO

Some substances can alter the hormonal system

Human health depends on a well-functioning endocrine system to
regulate the release of certain hormones that are essential for
functions such as metabolism, growth and development, sleep and mood.
Some substances known as endocrine disruptors can alter the function(s)
of this hormonal system increasing the risk of adverse health effects.
Some EDCs occur naturally, while synthetic varieties can be found in
pesticides, electronics, personal care products and cosmetics. They can
also be found as additives or contaminants in food.

The UN study, which is the most comprehensive report on EDCs
to date, highlights some associations between exposure to EDCs and
health problems including the potential for such chemicals to contribute
to the development of non-descended testes in young males, breast
cancer in women, prostate cancer in men, developmental effects on the
nervous system in children, attention deficit /hyperactivity in children
and thyroid cancer.

Human exposure can occur in a number of ways

EDCs can enter the environment mainly through industrial and
urban discharges, agricultural run-off and the burning and release of
waste. Human exposure can occur via the ingestion of food, dust and
water, inhalation of gases and particles in the air, and skin contact.

“Chemical products are increasingly part of modern life and
support many national economies, but the unsound management of chemicals
challenges the achievement of key development goals, and sustainable
development for all,” said UN Under Secretary-General and UNEP Executive
Director Achim Steiner.

“Investing in new testing methods and research can enhance
understanding of the costs of exposure to EDCs, and assist in reducing
risks, maximizing benefits and spotlighting more intelligent options and
alternatives that reflect a transition to a green economy,” added Mr
Steiner.

More research is needed

In addition to chemical exposure, other environmental and
non-genetic factors such as age and nutrition could be among the reasons
for any observed increases in disease and disorders. But pinpointing
exact causes and effects is extremely difficult due to wide gaps in
knowledge.

“We urgently need more research to obtain a fuller picture of
the health and environment impacts of endocrine disruptors,” said Dr
Maria Neira, WHO’s Director for Public Health and Environment. “The
latest science shows that communities across the globe are being exposed
to EDCs, and their associated risks. WHO will work with partners to
establish research priorities to investigate links to EDCs and human
health impacts in order to mitigate the risks. We all have a
responsibility to protect future generations."

The report also raises similar concerns on the impact of EDCs
on wildlife. In Alaska in the United States, exposure to such chemicals
may contribute to reproductive defects, infertility and antler
malformation in some deer populations. Population declines in species of
otters and sea lions may also be partially due to their exposure to
diverse mixtures of PCBs, the insecticide DDT, other persistent organic
pollutants, and metals such as mercury. Meanwhile, bans and restrictions
on the use of EDCs have been associated with the recovery of wildlife
populations and a reduction in health problems.

Recommendations

The study makes a number of recommendations to improve global
knowledge of these chemicals, reduce potential disease risks, and cut
related costs. These include:

Testing: known EDCs are only the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and more
comprehensive testing methods are required to identify other possible
endocrine disruptors, their sources, and routes of exposure.

Research: more scientific evidence is needed to identify the
effects of mixtures of EDCs on humans and wildlife (mainly from
industrial by-products) to which humans and wildlife are increasingly
exposed.

Reporting: many sources of EDCs are not known because of
insufficient reporting and information on chemicals in products,
materials and goods.

Collaboration: more data sharing between scientists and between
countries can fill gaps in data, primarily in developing countries and
emerging economies.

“Research has made great strides in the last ten years showing
endocrine disruption to be far more extensive and complicated than
realized a decade ago,” said Professor Åke Bergman of Stockholm
University and Chief Editor of the report. “As science continues to
advance, it is time for both management of endocrine disrupting
chemicals and further research on exposure and effects of these
chemicals in wildlife and humans.”